Interchangeable air distribution coupling interface for an internal cabin of a vehicle
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsMatthew Stephen Coleman, Scott Damon LaForge
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An air distribution coupling interface is configured to removably secure to a floor of an internal cabin of a vehicle. The air distribution coupling interface includes a main tube extending between an air inlet port and an air outlet port. The air inlet port is configured to couple to one or more conduits that are in fluid communication with an air distribution system. A securing flange is configured to removably secure the air distribution coupling interface to the floor of the internal cabin. The air outlet port is configured to deliver airflow provided by the air distribution system.
Claims20
An air distribution coupling interface configured to removably secure to a floor of an internal cabin of a vehicle, the air distribution coupling interface comprising:
- a main tube extending between an air inlet port and an air outlet port, wherein the air inlet port is configured to couple to one or more conduits that are in fluid communication with an air distribution system;
- a securing flange permanently fixed to the main tube, wherein the securing flange radially and circumferentially extends around a portion of the main tube, the securing flange configured to removably secure the air distribution coupling interface to the floor of the internal cabin, wherein the securing flange comprises fastener-through holes, and wherein the air outlet port is configured to deliver airflow provided by the air distribution system;
- and
- fasteners, wherein the fastener-through holes are configured to receive and retain the fasteners, and wherein the fasteners are configured to removably secure the securing flange to the floor.
A method for removably securing an air distribution coupling interface to a floor of an internal cabin of a vehicle, wherein the air distribution coupling interface comprises a securing flange, and a main tube extending between an air inlet port and an air outlet port, wherein the securing flange is permanently fixed to the main tube, and wherein the securing flange radially and circumferentially extends around a portion of the main tube, the method comprising:
- coupling the air outlet port to one or more conduits that are in fluid communication with an air distribution system;
- removably securing, by the securing flange, the air distribution coupling interface to the floor, wherein said removably securing comprises inserting fasteners into fastener through-holes of the securing flange, and securing the securing flange to the floor by the fasteners;
- and
- delivering airflow, by the air outlet port, provided by the air distribution system.
A vehicle comprising:
- an internal cabin;
- a floor within the internal cabin;
- and
- an air distribution coupling interface removably secured to the floor of the internal cabin, the air distribution coupling interface comprising:
- a main tube extending between an air inlet port and an air outlet port, wherein the air inlet port couples to one or more conduits that are in fluid communication with an air distribution system, and wherein the air inlet port is underneath the floor when the air distribution coupling interface is secured to the floor;
- and
- a securing flange permanently fixed to the main tube, wherein the securing flange radially and circumferentially extends around a portion of the main tube, the securing flange removably secures the air distribution coupling interface to the floor of the internal cabin, wherein the securing flange comprises fastener-through holes, wherein the air outlet port delivers airflow provided by the air distribution system above the floor, and wherein the securing flange is not permanently bonded to the floor;
- fasteners, wherein the fastener-through holes receive and retain the fasteners, and wherein the fasteners removably secure the securing flange to the floor;
- a connection tube securable to the air outlet port;
- and
- a cap securable to the air outlet port, wherein the connection tube and the cap are interchangeably securable to the air outlet port.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.